GBMWolverine: Michigan Football Recruiting -- Willie Henry (DT) -- 2012 Signed -- Profile

Posted at 4:00pm — 2/1/2011

GBMWolverine: Michigan Football Recruiting — Willie Henry (DT) — 2012 Signed — Profile

GBMWolverine readers: Here is a brief overview of recent signed commitment Willie Henry from Glenville Academic Campus High School — Cleveland, Ohio.

Height: 6’2
Weight: 270
Number: 74
Current Position: Defensive Tackle/Offensive Guard
Future Position: Defensive Tackle or possible Strong Defensive End
City/State: Cleveland, Ohio
High School: Glenville Academic Campus
Head Coach: Ted Ginn Sr.
Official Visit: 1/27/2012
Committed: 1/31/2012
Top 5 other Offers: Hawaii, Illinois, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse.
Rankings: 24/7: 3-star … ESPN: 3-star … Rivals: 3-star … Scout: 3-star.
GPA: 2.6
ACT: 19
Class: 2012 Michigan Wolverine Recruiting Class (Signed).

Overview:

The first thing that immediately stands out about Willie Henry is his excellent overall athlete ability, especially for player his size.

As a high school senior Willie played for the famed Glenville program in Ohio.

He played exclusively at offensive line as a junior.

Sources state a firm reputation of Mr. Henry being a solid citizen and a very hard worker.

So, with only one season as a defensive tackle, Willie stood out on film.

This phenomenon is not that uncommon.

Strengths:

Willie moves very well for a player of his size.

Of high note is Willie shows an excellent get off and also shows a nice burst and closing speed.

He makes a lot of plays in pursuit.

There are times watching his film where the viewer rules out his chances of making the tackle, but he did.

Film also shows good agility and some quick feet.

We really like his motor and that he shows a physical edge to his game.

Willie plays with a naturally low center of gravity and pad level.

Needs work:

At about 270 pounds Willie needs to add some solid bulk and strength.

He does have the frame to add the weight to be a solid 3-technique tackle.

He is clearly a bit raw in his overall technique, notably his hand use and hand control will have to improve.

He will be playing against big skilled athletes and will need to be as skilled to succeed at a high level.

The staff believes he can succeed at the Big Ten level.

Final Thoughts:

Willie Henry did not exactly come out of nowhere, but his improvement his senior year was noteworthy and took some by surprise. Coaches can teach technique and motor, but not the above average athletic ability of a defensive tackle.

This commit is not a reach and is likely to end up a good decision by Michigan’s staff. Frank Clark is doing very well and Willie is in a similar situation. We hope Willie soon comes to love his new family and location and having Frank Clark on the job should help. This is a unanimous verdict, not a split decision among staff.

We welcome Willie Henry to Michigan and hope he has a successful career on and off the football field as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan. Go Blue!

Red-shirt or play his Freshman Year?

GBMWolverine believes he will likely red-shirt his first year definitely.

Willie Henry reminds the GBMWolverine Staff of — Former Indianapolis Colt/Michigan Football Player — Josh Williams — who played defensive line.

Highlight Videos:

Please comment on our GBMWolverine Message Board about this article and read what others comment.

You can contact us at our e-mail address: GBMWolverine

Written by GBMWolverine Staff

Go Blue — Wear Maize!

Home/Michigan Football